NFL Draft Scouting Report: Will Holden

Vanderbilt
Offensive Tackle #74
Senior 6’7 312

Strong

Good fundamentals

Patient

Balanced

Short arms

Lacks quickness

Will Holden was a three star recruit coming out of Clay High School in Green Cove Springs, Florida. He signed with Vanderbilt while also holding offers from South Florida, Iowa State and Louisville. After redshirting his first year on campus, he saw action at both tackle and guard for the Commodores as well as playing time for the special teams unit. His time on the field only increased and was a staple of the offensive line by his junior year. He started at left tackle for the second consecutive year in 2016 and earned himself Second Team All-SEC offensive lineman.

Holden is a strong lineman with the strength to withstand a bull rush without losing his balance or getting pushed back too far. He moves fairly well for a big man as he has shown the ability to get to the second level and engage defenders in space. His skills as a run blocker are impressive as he can down block and can drive through guards or ends at the point of attack. He can also be patient enough to engage a linebacker in open space and to not get top heavy or unbalanced while doing so.

His biggest weakness his is pass protection on the edge. Struggling with his kick slides, he can get beat around the edge a lot which does not bode well for his future at left tackle. He will be more successful at right tackle. He may be able to move in at guard due to his talents in the run game but his height can be a problem at that position although it does work for Alex Boone. Guards pull a lot at the NFL level as well and he would have to prove that he can be a successful puller to make a permanent position change.

NFL Comparison: Justin Britt

Similar to Britt, Holden struggles with speedy pass rushers coming around the edge but has the skill set to latch on to defenders in the open field and is effective in the run game.